ssssssssssssssSR5 vs TRD Sport - analyzing the comparison

It's all personal preference. Test drive the shit out of the models you like, making mental notes in each truck, dislike this, like that...
Use that to bargain with at the time of sale.
IMHO, 4x4 sr5 should do you fine, with alloys.
The magic lever to get unstuck... er... dial.

 

OP, No more off roading?- just go with the SR5 Prerunner then add the rims if needed... I also like the seat material in the TRD models, But I am not sure the seats will be much better on road trips...
SR5 can be ordered with just about everything you need, most come that way, but you can add as you like.

 

I wish I had a few of the sports' doodads sometimes.

 

All I wish I had on my SR5 is a colored matched grille. Not a fan of chrome...

 

Do what I did... My OR had a chrome grill and I just Rhino lined it along with the BLHM to match the grill. Also Rhino Lined the lower Valance.

​

I'm like you. I hate chrome. I was meaning to Rhino Line my rear bumper this weekend but fucked around with other shit and once again didn't get it done. I really just need to buy another bumper is what I need to do

 

Just buy a colour matched grille

 

Just paint it. I liked the look of the sport, but wanted an offroad so I Colormatched my grill, mirrors, and door handles.



Or like OZ said, you can buy a painted grill

 

Not all TRD Sports have the 4 leaf pack. I have one in my driveway with 3 leafs.

 

What year? I'm pretty sure that they didn't make the 4 leaf pack standard on the Sports and SR5s until '12

 

2012.

Maybe because it's a Prerunner? I don't have the answer, I know it's commonly said about TRD Sports here on TW but it's just not true.

I've hauled 1000 lbs. in the bed with minimal sag, maybe they upgraded the quality of the leafs? Once again, I have no idea. I've also hauled a 2k plus pound trailer (with cargo included) with minimal sag.

Maybe it's a regional thing with the builds, would be nice to know. Not sure I'd really want 4 leafs since my truck rides pretty stiff as it is, I feel every tiny ripple in the road.

Don't mean to be contrary, just trying to present the truth. There may be TRD Sports out there with 4 leafs but mine isn't one of them.

 

No problem, that's good info.

 

I like the handling on my 2012 Sport better than my old 2012 SR-5. Much flatter / firmer - first time I drove it it reminded me of my old Trans Am. The steering had a nice, heavier feel - most likely due to the 265's on it. Didn't seem as bouncy either.

To me the 110v outlet is worthless, but who knows if it will come in handy someday. I like the seats, but they seem to be fraying awful quickly for a truck that just hit 5k on the odometer.

I'd get another Sport in a second, if something happens to this one.

 

OK so today I stopped by a dealer and test drove first an SR5 then a Sport back to back. Both were dual cab 4X2s. The SR5 had the $400 factory upgraded alloy wheels/tires. Both had the tow pack. Ignoring color, both were configured as I would want them. I have no problem paying a litle more for the Sport (or OR) - the price difference isn't a deal breaker one way or the other. I spent about 20-25 min driving ea. Identical route. Some highway, some city streats, one cloverleaf and a back road where I drove the shoulder at a couple different speeds.

SR5 was fine.

The Sport was definitelya littlefirmer and slightly more poised in the curves (cloverleaf was great for this). I liked that - I have always owned sports cars and occasionally autoX. But... the the seats were a bit too firm for my liking. Almost an hour of driving now and my butt was a bit sore. What can I say guys I'm getting up in years and prefer a plusher seat. I'm afraid the seat alone makes the SR5 the one I'll likely go for.

A couple FYIs.
=========================

The SR5s all had the compass and outside temp as well.

All SR5s I looked at for springs had the 4 pack on this lot (I glanced at 7 or 8 at random).

The seats in my current '88 are called 'Sport Seats' IIRC, have more adjustments than either of the current Tacoma seats and are quite comfortable on long drives and have outstanding bolster support (& probably more broken in too).

They had a PreRunner on one of those display lifts to show the underside. I hate to say it but I found the underside quite disappointing compared to my 88 4x4. But reluctantly I must admit that my needs have changed and my current 4x4 of the last 25 years is probably quite over-engineered for my current needs and an SR5 should be just fine.

I'm not a chrome fan but the manufacturers have their own ideas and I've gotten to where I'm like 'whatever' as long as I get the other stuff I do want. I am a fan of whatever substance is the easiest to clean dead bugs off of however! I really like the rhino-lined grill surround above too!

All the prices I showed in my grid above were prices from Toyota's site itself and/or the 3rd party car buying sites which show the same prices.

Lastly - thanks to everyone for your contributions. It has all been VERY useful and helpful to me!

Thanks!